Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has built much of his image around his enormous, muscular physique, but the Hollywood star is looking noticeably different these days. Johnson has revealed that he lost an impressive 22 kilograms — around 49 pounds — leaving fans with a much slimmer version of the action star.
The dramatic transformation wasn’t accidental. Johnson changed his body for his role in the movie “Lizard Music,” which required him to portray an older man with a considerably leaner frame than audiences are accustomed to seeing from the former wrestling superstar.
Johnson documented parts of his transformation on Instagram and revealed that he deliberately took his time. The process lasted approximately one year, with his weight dropping from around 128 kilograms, or 282 pounds.
Rather than trying to shed the weight as quickly as possible, Johnson said he wanted to approach the transformation intelligently and avoid extreme methods or crash dieting. The lengthy process gave him time to prepare himself mentally, spiritually and physically for the change.
The actor also said the experience taught him considerably more about his own body. In particular, he developed a different understanding of consciously controlling and working his muscles — something he considers especially valuable given his background as an athlete.
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Despite looking much slimmer than fans have become accustomed to seeing in his blockbuster movies and wrestling appearances, Johnson says he feels “phenomenal” in his new body. He also reported improvements in his metabolism and overall health.
Whether the dramatically leaner version of The Rock is here to stay remains uncertain. Johnson has already suggested that once filming is completed, he will probably regain a few kilograms.
The physical transformation comes after Johnson recently revealed that he had experienced a frightening health scare. After discovering a painful swelling in his left testicle, he became concerned that it could be cancer and initially kept the worry from his wife, Lauren. Medical testing ultimately determined that the swelling was caused by inflammation, and Johnson later reassured fans that he was doing well.
After decades of being instantly recognizable for his massive physique, Johnson’s 49-pound transformation has revealed a strikingly different side of one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars.
